Antti Kami, Vice President, Engine Power Plants, WSrtsilS states that instead of curtailing solar and investing in new coal plants, the focus needs to be shifted on the efficiency of old coal plant and renewables.

Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, Director Business Development, Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) expects an over two-fold increase in the electricity trades in India. The revival in the industrial demand, expansion in renewable energy generation, shift to short-term PPAs, cross-border deals with, especially the SAARC member countries and the evolution of electric mobility are among the key factors that will spur the demand.

Even as the role of renewables progressively increases India overall energy mix, the policymakers must not lose sight of the very significant role that coal plays in the country economy, avers Andrew DeLeone, Managing Director, GE Power India. He recommends that the country must leverage its cost competitiveness to set-up low emission thermal power plants overseas by offering attractive financing options.

The power deficit has reduced, since India has more than doubled its electricity generation capacity between 2005 and 2017 with coal-based plants accounting for more than 60 per cent of the new capacity.